Cincinnati Reds announced on Wednesday that they had signed their reliever Raisel Iglesias to a new three-year deal. The contract should keep the 28-year-old in Cincinnati through 2021 season and is reportedly worth $24.1 million.
Iglesias previously signed a seven-year deal in 2014, which gave him the option to opt into arbitration after seasons 2017, 2018 and 2019.
The #Reds and RHP Raisel Iglesias have agreed to terms on a 3-year contract through the 2021 season. pic.twitter.com/EdgMBUsXa1
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) November 21, 2018
“Raisel has been extremely reliable in our bullpen. He has also proven to be a very versatile pitcher, which we value highly,” – said Reds+ president of baseball operations Dick Williams in a statement. “This contract provides both sides with cost certainty and will allow [pitching coach] Derek [Johnson] and [manager] David [Bell] to focus on how Raisel can be utilized to provide the most value to the team.“
Raisel Iglesias played 66 games with the Reds in the 2018 season and finished the year with 30 saves, compared to 28 in 2017. He also posted 2.38 ERA with 80 strikeouts and 25 walks.
“This is a great opportunity,” – said Iglesias after inking the new deal. “I thank the Reds for trusting me and believing in me. Cincinnati is my second home, and I wanted to take this step.”
After starting his career with Isla de la Juventud in the Cuban National Series, Raisel Iglesias joined the Cincinnati Reds in 2014. Although he was in the mix for the position of the starting pitcher during his first year in Cincinnati, Inglesias ended up becoming the team’s primary setup man and closer.
Iglesias’ MLB career stats include 11-17 record, 2.97 ERA, 359 strikeouts and 64 saves.
